ATFC FOUNDATION: SEASON RECAP & AWARDS

The future of Aberystwyth Town Football Club continues to shine brightly after a hugely successful 2025/26 campaign for the club’s foundation sides, with players, coaches, parents and sponsors coming together at the John Charles Lounge last week for the annual Foundation Awards Night.

Credit: Steve Williams

The evening celebrated an exceptional season across the youth section, recognising both team achievements and individual excellence while also highlighting the growing pathway from the academy into senior football.

Foundation lead Darren Thomas paid tribute to the club’s directors, volunteers, sponsors, coaches and parents for their continued support throughout the season, while also praising the players for their commitment, development and togetherness across the year.

Special thanks were also given to the evening’s sponsors, including LJB Painting, Ystwyth Garage and AM Group, alongside the many individuals and businesses who supported the academy throughout the season with kits, training wear and coaching equipment.

First-Team Pathway Continues to Grow

One of the evening’s key themes was the continued progression of academy players into senior football. Several young players gained valuable experience with the first team and senior squads during the campaign, underlining the strength of the club’s development pathway.

Among those recognised were Ernie Andrews, who amassed 541 first-team minutes across multiple tiers during the season, while Oliver Edwards also featured prominently and kept a clean sheet in the final game of the campaign. Landon Walton, Tyler Davies and Danny Reynolds also earned senior appearances, while Javen Low, George Budge and Evan Street were all involved in first-team squads.

Under-13s Enjoy Memorable Campaign

The Under-13 side enjoyed an outstanding season, finishing runners-up in the league while also lifting the League Cup after losing just one game all season.

Coached by Tomos Robson, Kev Button, Xinjun Lyng-Rosario and Ben Evans, the squad demonstrated consistency, resilience and attacking quality throughout the campaign, with their cup final victory receiving special praise on the night.

Special mention must also go to Ayowolesola Asanbe who earned county honours during the season.

Under-13 Award Winners

• Supporters’ Player of the Season — Jonas Gnanaseelan

• Most Improved Player — Ethan McGarrigle

• Players’ Player of the Season — Caleb Jackson-Edwards

• Manager’s Player of the Season — Yannis Tome

Under-14s Deliver Historic Season

The Under-14s produced one of the most impressive seasons in recent academy history. Playing up an age group for much of the campaign, the side won the Under-15 League title, reached the League Cup Final and also claimed the inaugural CWFA Under-14 title.

The team lost only one game in normal time all season and produced remarkable attacking numbers, scoring 137 goals while registering 92 assists across 24 matches.

The squad was led by coaches Darren Thomas, Huw Jones, Martin Darby and Ben Evans, whose work throughout the campaign helped produce a season defined by development, competitiveness and outstanding team spirit.

Individual performances throughout the squad were also highlighted, with 15 different players earning opposition or management Man of the Match recognition during the campaign.

Several players represented Ceredigion Schools at county level, with Iestyn Lewis, Ryley Bradley-Thomas, Cian Morgan, Alfie Kellaway and William Darby all earning honours. Iestyn Lewis and Cian Morgan were additionally selected to represent the region in the North v South Schools fixture.

Under-14 Award Winners

• Supporters’ Player of the Season — Iestyn Lewis

• Most Improved Player — Mayas Karkoubi

• Players’ Player of the Season — Tyler James-Woodhall

• Managers’ Players of the Season — Cian Morgan, Egan Evans and Ryley Bradley-Thomas

• Dedication Award — Axsel Hudson

• “Where’s Wally” Award — presented as a light-hearted recognition on the night

Sponsorship Opportunities for 2026/27

The academy also announced sponsorship opportunities for the 2026/27 season as part of the evening’s presentations.

The club is currently seeking team sponsors for next season, with sponsorship boards to be displayed at the club’s ground. Boards measuring 3050mm x 910mm, including printing, are available for £270 per board, with one board allocated per team.

Anyone interested in supporting the academy can speak to Darren Thomas or Donald Kane for further information.

Volunteers Needed to Support

As the Club's junior section continues to grow, the club is also appealing for additional volunteers to help support its activities both on and off the pitch.

Support in sought across several areas, including:

• Coaches for training sessions and matches

• Matchday helpers, referees and COMET support

• Social media volunteers to capture photos, videos and results

• Tournament and social coordinators

• Sponsorship and fundraising support

• Grant writing assistance

Anyone interested in getting involved and supporting the continued development of young players at Aberystwyth Town Football Club is encouraged to contact the academy team via social media or by email at Abertownacademy@gmail.com.

Looking Ahead

The evening also included presentations on the club’s proposed new ground development plans and future opportunities available through the academy structure.

With strong performances across all age groups, increasing representation at county and regional level, and more academy graduates stepping into senior football, the 2025/26 season will be remembered as another significant year of progress for the academy structure at Aberystwyth Town Football Club.

Credit: Steve Williams